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Galle District Unmissables

Galle District is defined by its UNESCO-listed Old Town, a 16th-century fortification showcasing Dutch colonial architecture and 18th-century churches. The region includes coastal landmarks like the 1939 Galle Fort Lighthouse and the coral reefs of Unawatuna and Hikkaduwa beaches. Wildlife conservation is centered at local sea turtle hatcheries, while the Rumassala hill offers Buddhist temples and views of the Indian Ocean. This coastal area combines maritime history with protected nature reserves and marine sanctuaries.

A

Old Town of Galle and its Fortifications

Founded by the Portuguese in 1588 and extensively fortified by the Dutch during the 17th century, this site is the best-preserved example of a fortified European colonial city in South and Southeast Asia.

PIERRE ANDRE LECLERCQ / GFDL

B

Galle Fort Lighthouse

Sri Lanka's oldest light station, originally established in 1848. The current 26.5-meter-high white masonry tower was rebuilt in 1939 and stands on the Point Utrecht Bastion at the fort's southern end.

Orest Helysh / CC-BY-SA

C

Fortress

The defensive bastions and granite ramparts of the 17th-century Dutch fort, designed to protect the harbor and withstand artillery.

D

UNESCO's 38th World Heritage Protected Site

A designated conservation zone encompassing the historical urban ensemble of Galle and its maritime fortifications.

E

Unawatuna

A crescent-shaped bay known for its coral reefs and palm-lined coast. The area provides habitat for the endangered Hawksbill turtle and various endemic bird species.

Orest Helysh / CC-BY-SA

F

Hikkaduwa Beach

A coastal stretch featuring a marine national park with shallow-water coral reefs, located approximately 20 kilometers north of Galle.

Petr Bambuch / CC-BY-SA

G

Sea Turtle Hatchery

A conservation facility dedicated to protecting vulnerable turtle eggs. The center rehabilitates injured turtles and manages the release of hatchlings into the ocean.

Simona Pecková / CC-BY-SA

H

Dutch Reformed Church (1755)

Built in 1755 on the site of a Portuguese convent, this is one of the oldest Protestant churches in Sri Lanka. The floor is paved with gravestones from the old Dutch cemetery.

I

National Museum of Galle

The National Museum of Galle is one of the national museums of Sri Lanka.

Alexandra Bogacheva / CC-BY-SA

J

Rumassala Sri Viwekarama Vihara

A Buddhist temple situated on Rumassala Hill, featuring a large white Buddha statue and traditional murals. The site offers panoramic views across the bay towards the Galle Fort.